Al-Mujtama Interviews Dr. Issa Abdo (1 / 3)
Dr. Issa Abdo in Brief
One of the most prominent scholars and pioneers of Islamic economics.
Dr.Issa Abdo was born in 1901 CE (1318 AH) in Cairo. His father, Dr.
Abdo Ibrahim, was originally Christian but embraced Islam after graduating from
medical school.
Dr. Issa Abdo passed away on January 9, 1980 CE (20 Safar 1400 AH)
in Riyadh, and—according to his will—was buried in Al-Baqi Cemetery in
the holy city of Medina.
Key Contributions
- He played a foundational role in
establishing and drafting the regulations and systems of the Kuwait
Finance House in 1977.
- He authored numerous works
focused on alternatives to the interest-based financial system, most
notably:
- Banks Without Interest
- Interest on Capital: A Form of Usury
- Islamic Economics: An
Introduction and Methodology
Summary of the First Episode
Dr. Issa Abdo met with Al-Mujtama Magazine following a five-month journey through Japan,
America, and Europe, aimed at contributing to Islamic outreach and observing
its conditions. He affirmed that da’wah in a country unfamiliar with Islam is
easier than in one that claims to embrace it, pointing to the decline in proper
religious understanding.
In Japan, there is a thirst for Islam among intellectuals and the general
public (such as Professors Kajaya and Akida), yet the number of converts
remains very low—only a few hundred over 40 years. He attributes this to the
shortcomings of the Muslim ummah, which possesses wealth and manpower but lacks
determination. He also criticized the transformation of Islamic centers into
entities resembling political representation or government offices. He proposed
a strategy based on selecting educated, married groups fluent in the local
language and embedded within society to form native da’wah nuclei.
Dr. Abdo observed that Islamic groups are preoccupied with worldly
matters and material competition, fragmented by ethnic nationalism. He noted
that Japanese traditions are eroding under materialism and Western influence,
where luxury and “standard of living” have become modern idols. In America, he
observed monopolistic exploitation and revealed that the real conflict is
between disbelievers and Muslims—not about a “national homeland.” He also
pointed to the collapse of the family in the West, evidenced by the equal
number of births and legal abortions annually (30 million). He praised the MuslimStudents Association despite its limited resources and the
sacrifice of its members who travel hundreds of miles for Friday prayers.
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Full Interview: Dr. Issa Abdo Speaks to Al-Mujtama About His Journey in Europe, America, and Japan
Al-Mujtama was keen to meet Professor Dr. Issa Abdo after his five-month
journey, dispatching one of its editors to convey to readers his reflections
and impressions from Japan, America, and Europe, where he examined the state of
da’wah and observed the efforts of local preachers. Despite being ill and
unable to meet anyone, Dr. Abdo graciously answered our questions. The
editorial team sincerely prays for his speedy recovery.
Motivations Behind the Journey and Da’wah Goals
Dr. Abdo explained that every endeavor must have a motive; otherwise, it
is mere wandering. Scholars distinguish between “action” and “work”—the former
is outward behavior, while the latter requires intent and purpose. His
five-month journey was driven by a desire to contribute, even modestly, to
Islamic outreach. The goal was to observe the conditions of da’wah and the
methods used by preachers, hoping such insights would affirm effective
approaches and warn against ineffective ones.
Japan’s Thirst for Islam and the Ummah’s Shortcomings
He confirmed that there are promising elements among Japanese
intellectuals. At Osaka University, he met two professors—Kajaya and Akida—who
were eager to learn about Islam. Among the general public, individuals yearn to
embrace the faith. Yet, in the past 40 years, only a few hundred have
converted, scattered across Japan’s islands with little contact among them. The
failure lies with da’wah organizations and the broader ummah.
Islamic Centers Becoming Bureaucracies and the Need to Mobilize the Ummah
Dr. Abdo observed that Islamic centers and mosques gradually transform
into institutions resembling political or consular offices, or government
departments where people seek livelihood. This does not negate the presence of
a sincere minority who sacrifice greatly. But how can the efforts of a few
benefit a nation of over 110 million, swept by atheism, materialism, communism,
and Westernization? Their efforts become cries in the desert. He places full
blame on the Muslim ummah, which has wealth and manpower but lacks resolve and
sincerity.
Da’wah Strategy for the Far East
Dr. Abdo believes that what works in Japan applies to many Far Eastern
countries—Thailand,
the Philippines, Indonesia—whether
they know Islam or not. The strategy is to select educated, married Muslims who
live in each country and nurture local da’wah nuclei. Anyone arriving must
learn the language, understand local customs, and live among the people for a
long time. Eventually, the mission expands to include native believers who
spread the message. He emphasized that even in historically Muslim lands like
Indonesia, Islam has become alien. Outreach may be easier in non-Muslim
countries than in those that claim Islam.
Fragmentation, Materialism, and Ethnic Nationalism
He noted that unity around monotheism and da’wah is absent. Sincere
individuals vary in dedication based on their sincerity to God. Groups are
distracted by worldly affairs and material competition. Sometimes rivalry
intensifies over sectarian ideas. Ethnic nationalism divides these groups. This
applies to the Far East and other regions
The Decline of Traditions and Values in the Face of Materialism
Q: To what extent have the Japanese been influenced by contemporary
leftist ideologies, given their reputation for preserving traditions and
customs?
Dr. Abdo: The Japanese nation is known for its discipline and respect for law
and regulations. However, old customs and heritage are rapidly declining under
the influence of Westernization and communism at an alarming rate. It’s true
that productivity is increasing and personal competence in industry, commerce,
and the arts is advancing to levels that threaten the West. But the
conservative Eastern society that lived through the first half of the twentieth
century now stands at a crossroads. Those who preserve traditions, dignity, and
etiquette are remnants of the past. The majority of youth—especially those
around twenty years old, the post-war generation—have abandoned the old ways
and joined the overwhelming tide that sweeps away all previously rooted values.
The Idols of the Age: Standard of Living and Nationalism
This question raises an ongoing issue in most industrialized countries:
the obsession with what is called “standardof living,” luxury, and sensual pleasures has become deeply ingrained in
people’s minds. These have become the primary motivators for communities.
Concepts like dignity, tradition, and moral values are now seen by the
majority—especially those engaged in production—as outdated and regressive.
Both leftist ideologies and capitalism promote these indulgences. Despite
appearing ideologically opposed, they converge in moral decay—dominated by sex,
food, and drink. I clearly see new idols worshipped in industrial societies:
one is called “standard of living,” and another is “nationalism.” I believe
humanity has never witnessed such moral decline in any era. Some researchers
argue that the push toward space exploration is a form of escape from this
reality, as even noble souls feel suffocated.
The Image of the United States and the Palestine Question
Q: You had a preconceived image of the United States before traveling.
Has that image changed?
Dr. Abdo: Yes, it has. I made a point of traveling by train across the western
and central regions of the U.S. for nearly two full days. I saw vast plains and
expansive lands capable of hosting tens of millions of people and absorbing
billions in capital. As I observed these endless spaces, I thought about the
issue of Palestine and the West’s claim that it supported Jews and Zionists to
provide them with a national homeland.
If the West were sincere, it could have offered land in the American Midwest that would accommodate many
times the number of Jews. This realization saddened me, as those engaged in
public affairs in our countries often overlook the fact that the real conflict
is between disbelievers and Muslims. The issues of the day are not about a
national homeland, compassion for an oppressed people, or guilt over the
Holocaust—as claimed about Germany’s treatment of Jews. All of that is
nonsense, a shallow deception that has fooled even intellectuals.
Monopoly and the Collapse of the Family in the West
This is one aspect. Another is the monopolistic exploitation I observed
in the United States. Some American writers themselves have stated that the
country is ruled—or its fate controlled—by syndicates. I also noticed that
those involved in religion—called “clergy” in non-Muslim countries—often
compromise their principles to preserve their livelihoods, even if those
livelihoods are morally questionable. They are in a difficult position, despite
the efforts of some sincere individuals.
I read a bulletin issued by a religious organization stating that the
number of births in the Western world is 30 million annually, matched by an
equal number of legal abortions. The bulletin also noted that many secret
abortions are not included in these statistics, and tracking them is difficult.
It explained that the 30 million births include those legally
recognized—children whose parents signed a marriage contract in a church or
civil office, even one day before birth, and those whose paternity was acknowledged
after birth.
The bulletin further analyzed these figures by country. In short, I
witnessed the collapseof the family across the Western world, despite its material and
technological advancements, which captivate superficial youth and dominate
their emotions.
The Activities of the Muslim Students Association and Da’wah Obstacles
Q: You met some of our Muslim youth in the U.S. What activities are they
involved in, and what do you expect from them?
Dr. Abdo: I asked for statistics on Muslims in the U.S. but found no
satisfactory answers. Many da’wah groups exist, representing various sects
previously mentioned. However, students, professors, and graduates who studied
and settled in the U.S. have formed the MuslimStudents Association in the U.S. and Canada. This organization
invited me to visit its branches. It is among the best groups engaged in
serious study and spreading correct Islamic thought.
Yet, the group lacks sufficient funding. It survives on modest membership
fees and rare donations. I met individuals whose sincerity and sacrifice
command global respect.
The Difficulty of Communication and Performing Religious Duties
Traveling 500 Miles for Friday Prayer
The U.S. is vast, with large cities and rural areas. Every da’wah worker faces
great difficulty in connecting with others. For example, to perform Friday
prayer for the first time after my arrival, I traveled 60 miles (about 90
kilometers) with companions. Others came from 500 miles away to attend Friday
prayer and periodic meetings. The prayer was held in a hall rented for a few
hours.
Conducted by: Abu Abdullah
(To be continued in the next issue)
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